Wildfire growth slows in northwest Oklahoma as wind falters

Ponca City Now - April 9, 2016 10:11 am

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – A wildfire that has burned about 90 square miles in northwest Oklahoma has stalled in growth as firefighters benefit from lower wind speeds and additional resources from multiple states.

Oklahoma Forestry Services spokeswoman Hannah Anderson says as of Friday morning the fire is 20 percent contained and has "stayed in the same footprint" it had formed prior to Thursday. Local fire departments have received assistance from Oklahoma Forestry Services, county task forces and firefighting resources from Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Georgia and Tennessee.

Wind speeds dropped Thursday after posting up to 50 mph gusts earlier in the week. Anderson says officials anticipate Friday’s more-friendly conditions to continue through Sunday, when she said they could worsen again.

Officials are working to assess the structural damage the fire has caused.

 

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